A UK-wide shortage of radioisotopes has the potential to cause significant disruption to patient care in Northern Ireland, the health minister has said.
Mike Nesbitt said the affected radioisotopes are mainly used for diagnosing cancers, including prostate and breast cancer.
He said they are also used for imaging of organ function in scans, including for the heart.
In a written statement to the Stormont Assembly, the minister said he expected that there will be delays to patient access to services relying on the impacted radioisotopes, potentially including cancellations.
He said the shortage was due to a temporary reduction in the production of molybdenum-99, which is used to generate the radioisotope technetium-99m.
“The supply chains for medicines including radioisotopes are complex, global and highly regulated,” said the minister.
“While we can’t always prevent supply issues from occurring, we have a range of well-established processes and tools to manage them when they arise and mitigate risks to patients.
“The priority during this period of supply disruption is to minimise the impact on patients as much as possible.
“My department is working with the Department of Health and Social Care, devolved administrations, suppliers and clinical experts to support the allocation of deliveries and ensure there is equitable and fair access across the UK to the constrained supply of stock that is available.”
Mike Nesbitt has said patients with the most critical needs will be prioritised (Brian Lawless/PA)
He added: “Guidance has been issued to the Health and Social Care via a National Patient Safety Alert to ensure that patients with the most critical needs are prioritised.
“I know how difficult this will be for affected patients while we face this supply issue.
“This issue is different in nature to normal supply chain problems due to the unique challenges radioisotope shortages present.
“Despite efforts to limit the impact, there will be delays for patients accessing services which rely on this affected radioisotope, with potential cancellations.
“In the most urgent cases, patients will be prioritised for care while supplies are limited.
“They may also be offered the necessary procedure at another hospital. In some cases, it may be possible to offer patients an alternative scan which does not rely on molybdenum-99/technetium-99m.
“Clinicians will review patients on a case-by-case basis to discuss options with their patients directly.
“If any patient is concerned about their treatment, they should discuss this with their clinician at the earliest opportunity. I will update members further on progress to resolve this issue.”